The process begins in the field as the chiles are left to ripen on the plant. Once they reach a rich, crimson hue they are harvested. Before the harvest, the farmers build ovens made of clay and bamboo. The chiles are laid over a gentle fire for several days until they are infused with the rich flavors from the earth oven. Each chile is inspected, cleaned and cut-by-hand to unlock the robust flavors locked inside. The hand-cut chiles are left to macerate in the sugarcane base distillate for up to 1 year. Our Master Blender decides when the slow maceration is complete and then natural cane sugar is added to lightly sweeten the liqueur. ALMA TEPEC liqueur is bottled and labeled by hand in Oaxaca, Mexico. 40% ABV (80 proof).